Patricia Ann Gonzales West

Our bright and vibrant light, Patricia Gonzales, passed away on December 26, 2021 at the age of 82.

Pat had a generosity of spirit and a kindness of heart that few people could match. Her ordinary but rich life was filled with family, friendship, love, song, and laughter. She delighted in family gatherings, was the life of a party, loved dancing and singing, and getting others to join in.

Pat is survived by her husband and the love of her life, John West. They met in

San Francisco in 1971 and have been together ever since, living the last 32 years together in Richmond, California.

Pat was born in Denver, Colorado, the third child of seven for Lee B. Gonzales and Sarah A. Gonzales (Romo), both deceased. Her and her siblings Mary (deceased), Louis (deceased), Robert, Elena, Marcus, and Christopher were raised in San Francisco. Pat attended Bret Harte grammar school, West Portal junior high, and graduated from St. Peter’s Academy high school in 1955. She worked in numerous jobs in her teens and after graduation giving most of her wages to her mother to help support her large family. Throughout her life, she extended her genuine supportive nature to her family of friends, who call her Patty. Always with a smile on her face and in her heart, Patty and her husband John celebrated the good times with friends and were there wherever they were needed—be it hospitals, nursing homes, etc.—to give care and comfort.

She worked as a secretary for most of her life, first in a doctor’s office, and then as a legal secretary, and lastly at UC Hastings College of the

Law in student services. Her good listening skills, empathetic and compassionate nature made her an outstanding secretary and assistant, as she loved meeting and helping people.

She enjoyed her retirement years, especially in the many trips to Europe with her husband John. They made 16 trips to Europe together to Germany, France, Italy, Austria, England, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland. Wherever Pat went, she was outgoing, open, and unpretentious. She will be missed, but will be forever loved by her husband, family, and friends. No immediate funeral services are planned. She will be cremated and her ashes will be placed in the gravesite of her mother, Sarah Gonzales (Romo), and her grandmother, Maria Fernanda Romo (Maes) at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, California. A celebration of her life is planned to take place on her birthday on March 17, 2022. Family will notify loved ones on how to participate both in person and remotely.